Sprouting eco-friendly habits

Jessicah Peters/The Sun Today Margie Fox, owner of Garden Gate Nursery in Old Town Bluffton, opened about four years ago. As an Old Town Merchant board member, She helps coordinate the Green Garden Luncheon which celebrates Earth Day.

With spring showers and flowers blooming, the Promenade prepares to celebrate Earth Day through the annual Green Garden Luncheon.

Beginning about three years ago, the Old Town Merchants wanted to create a fun yet educational community event to celebrate taking care of planet earth. A full-day event that concludes at the farmers market, the Green Garden Luncheon offers garden exhibits, demonstrations, food and guest speakers.

Margie Fox, owner of Garden Gate Nursery, plans to be the “entertainment” for the event. Last year, she demonstrated how to create terrarium. Unsure about what she’ll discuss this time, Fox has thought about addressing the lack of recycling in households.

“I’ve grown up recycling and pride myself for providing recycled products at the Garden Gate,” she said. “While we’ve celebrated Earth Day for many years and that is our purpose of the luncheon, we focus on delivering the message of how others can become a little more green-friendly.”

Fox bought the Garden Gate Nursery in Beaufort years ago and decided to open up shop in Old Town Bluffton about four years ago. Her family of three lives above the garden creating a live and work atmosphere.

“I grew up in Bluffton. When we were searching for a new location, Old Town seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Fox said. “There is such a sense of community and family atmosphere here. When the merchants host events like the luncheon, it brings all the local businesses together and shows greater Bluffton what the community is all about.”

As a board member of the merchants society, Fox along with others brainstorm events on bringing the community together. Many vendors plan to attend, providing product samples and exposure to those who don’t normally visit Old Town Bluffton.

Vendor opportunities are still available, Fox said.

Reeves Outdoor Catering along with Corks will provide food and drinks for the event, focusing on using the plants provided by Mother Nature. Ron Weisburg of Lee Bees will be a guest speaker who will address the current issues involving bees in the nation along with bee allergies.

Mary O’Neil, owner of The Complete Home and marketing chairperson of the merchants society, looks forward hearing from the environmental-friendly speakers.

“In our first year having the luncheon, we actually planned it on the Earth Day with many great speakers,” she said. “I’m excited to hear from Ron on how bees effect our environment.”

O’Neil plans to be a vendor as well showcasing green-friendly products for the home and garden.

“It’s a great event that brings awareness to Earth Day but also gives new approaches to being green-friendly,” Fox said.

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